“I really just have to go out there and play my hardest,” Harstshorn said. “It doesn’t really matter what grade you’re in, you just have to get out there and play.”

Hartshorn wasted little time getting started. While some players needed some time to get into rhythm, she scored seven of Allentown’s nine first-quarter points. For the game, Hartshorn connected on three shots from beyond the arc.

“Kali came to play,” said coach Linda Weise.

But the Redbirds’ eighth-year coach, who was a terrific player in her own right, expected that.

“She brings it day in and day out at practice,” Weise said. “She really led us today and had a heck of a game.”

It certainly helps that Hartshorn wants the ball in her hands. And when she gets it, she wants to score it.

“She’s got a fire in her belly, too,” Weise said. “She brings that competitive spirit to us, and she won’t back down.”

Allentown started to create separation in the third quarter. Leading 22-14 at the half, the Redbirds scored five quick points after Nottingham made a free throw. Hope Narozniak drilled a 3-pointer with 6:23 to go, forcing Northstars coach Lauren Kelly into a timeout.

The lead stretched to 30-17 before Nottingham made a mini-run. Jalliet Taylor, who was limited after collecting three fouls in the second quarter, finished a three-point play, pulling the ’Stars within 30-22.

But the Redbirds (4-3) answered on a jumper by Bianca Santos (eight points, six in the third quarter) on the next trip. Hartshorn capped the scoring in the period, draining a 3-pointer with 40 seconds left.

An 11-2 burst to open the final eight minutes pushed the Allentown advantage to 46-26.

“We’re like the comeback team,” Hartshorn said. “It takes a little while to get going.”